Thinking about getting my band removed

[B_heezy12 1]

Hello let me start off by saying I was banded at a very young age, I was banded in June of 2007 I was 16 years old I'm now 23. At first it was great I lost 60 lbs is occasionally get stuck but, no major issues. A little farther down the road, I did notice that my Iron levels seemed to drop I bruised a lot easier, I was constantly cold and, I had become prone to passing out. I went to get a fill one day and, my original doctor wasn't there so there was a nurse that did my fill for me. I didn't think anything of it I hate shots so I just wanted to get it done and over with, well she couldn't find my port and was digging around until I told her to stop I was going to pass out. So, she brought in the nurse who had assisted my doctor with my surgery she found my port no problem. Ever since that fill I have not been able to find my sweet spot again, I've had complications with getting stuck, acid reflux and, sharp pain near my port. I've gained about 35lbs back since then. I haven't been to my doctor in probably 2 years, the last time I went we did a barium swallow and he said everything was fine. I get stuck still often and, will go a day or 2 unable to eat solid foods then my band will randomly open back up again and I can eat. I'm just so tired of it all, I'm on a meal plan and exercising regularly I feel that if I could get the proper nutrition such as raw veggies, meat, and fruit I would be much more successful in losing weight. Then on the flip side I'm terrified to get my band removed, being banded at such a young age I don't really remember how it feels to eat normally and to have a normal day of eating. I'm also terrified that even though I'm working out regularly and, am trying to commit to a healthy diet that I will gain my weight back.

All I read is everyone gaining their weight back and they've gotten discouraged and given up after band removal I don't want that to be me...is there any success stories from having band removal? I know over all I will physically feel better but the weight gain scares me.

Edited June 23, 2015 by B_heezy12

[parisshel 1,892]

I think your concern is legitimate. I have never read of anyone who had their band removed and was able to keep their weight off. Even unfills seem to provoke weight gain, as I have experienced.

Have you considered a revision surgery? There are many on this forum that have revised from the band to a sleeve or bypass, with excellent results and no issues.

[B_heezy12 1]

I think your concern is legitimate. I have never read of anyone who had their band removed and was able to keep their weight off. Even unfills seem to provoke weight gain, as I have experienced.

Have you considered a revision surgery? There are many on this forum that have revised from the band to a sleeve or bypass, with excellent results and no issues.

I haven't really considered another surgery as this one has took a mental toll on me...I didn't have normal teenage years. I think I'd be too scared to get anything else done even given the success rates. Especially since the sleeve and bypass are not reversible.

Edited June 23, 2015 by B_heezy12

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@B_heezy12 I'm sorry to hear about all the troubles you have experienced, but I wouldn't take anything off the table when thinking about a revision.

The best advice is to find a surgeon that you trust and have a nice long conversation with them about what your experiencing, and how you feel. Ask them their advice, don't let them make you feel like you HAVE to revise to another surgery but get the information so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Either way if you decide to take the band out, keep the band, revise or no the best person to talk to is a surgeon you are totally comfortable with. See if you can make an appointment not just for an exam or a fill but a comprehensive consultation and evaluation appointment.

Make a list of all the side affects that you have experienced, add in the pro's and con's about being banded and keeping the band or losing it. How you feel about revision, and any questions you might want to ask about anything and bring that all with you to the appointment.

I wish you all the best!!! Let us know how your doing!!

[Lapbandster 496]

Personally, if I were you I would get a complete unfill and then SLOWLY scale up until you find your sweet spot

If you're still not feeling well then I personally would have it removed- but not before arming me with the proper tools for weight loss. These include 1)a support system 2) a nutritionist 3) a counselor to help you modify your eating habits

If in a year you cannot keep the weight off/gain weight THEN I would start thinking of other surgeries, but as you said you can't remember what it feels like to eat normally and I don't think you can bounce to another surgery so quickly if you got banded so long ago at such a young age

Take time to rediscover your body in a healthy, you just might like it